Asia’s founders are decamping to the U.S. as the region suffers a protracted venture funding slump

Asian tech founders are relocating to the U.S. due to a venture funding slump in Asia and the U.S.'s stronger access to customers, talent, and capital. Venture funding in Southeast Asia fell by 80% between 2022 and 2024, while the U.S. secured 80% of global startup funding in Q1 2026. Founders cite Asia's fragmented markets, regulatory scrutiny, and limited exit opportunities as key challenges.